Open letter to Bauchi State Governor on the plight of Gudum, Tala, Kir, Luda people
By Pharmacist Adamu Bello Karofi, MPSN
While thanking His Excellency, over the laudable infrastructural developments the state is witnessing under his administration, I will like to draw his attention particularly on the untold hardship the people of the above named communities go through as they go about pursuing their legitimate interests.
The people of these communities whom are mostly farmers, herders and local traders go through an excruciating pain whenever the rainy season opens bare its fangs. The complete lack of access roads, the total absence of any governmental project, the terrifying deep rivers and the scary gully erosion forcefully paving its way on daily basis are more than enough reasons to look at these unsuspecting yet extremely hardworking populace with the eyes of kindness and compassion.
Bauchi state and in particular, the axis of the state in question is blessed with an unmatched large arable land suitable for farming all kinds of food and cash crops. The geography of the land which comprises the climate, the nature of the soil and the topography makes it absolutely one of its kind. An enviable prospect like this should never be left ‘unharnessed’!
Your Excellency, you will be amazed to see men and women ‘neck-deep’ inside the rivers of Gudum and Kyauro all in an attempt to cross over and have access to their farms. These rivers are less than 15km to the Bauchi Metropolis. It has now become a trend that almost every year, one or two persons die in either of the two rivers. I believe this alone should be a thing of concern to all and sundry, and we must not fold our arms, while watching helplessly our people dying over this rather avoidable reason.
Under the administration of Mallam Isa Yuguda, the river of Gudum has had its bridge started but was later abandoned halfway leaving jungle to take over the whole place.
The improvised local canoe at the bank of the river which commuters use sometimes is but a deathtrap. The hassle is enormous, and the potentials wasted- incalculable.
I am writing this letter on behalf of that crying Zar Nursing mother who goes to farm everyday with her baby to cultivate for her family food to eat. I am writing this letter on behalf of that heavily pregnant Fulani woman who goes to town everyday to sell fura da nono but bears the brunt of lack of access bridge. I am writing this letter on behalf of that old Tal father riding his bicycle to come to town everyday in order to make ends meet, but deep inside crying because of lack of access road.
Your Excellency, these people are indeed suffering. They are suffering from serious neglect by the power that be. They are truly the unsung heroes who need to be honoured, respected and dignified. But alas, they do not have anyone to tell their story!
I hope His Excellency will consider this issue of utmost importance and urgently act on it.
Thank you!!
